I am tired of hoping for enough money to buy a descent pond boat. I have decided that I'm just going to build my own. Is this a common thing to do? Has anyone out there ever done this? If so, how? I would like all the advice I can get. I am an alright carpenter and I think I can handle it, as long as I can get a general plan. I have all the tools I think I will need. What materials should I make it out of? This project may take me all summer or it may take me a couple weekends, I don't know. All help would be appreciated!

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Teenager. I do many types of fishing. 10 foot Pelican Matrix Angler

I think it would be easier to get a second job, save up and just buy one. Or build something that someone wants to buy. I have never seen a home built pontoon or jon boat that worked very well. I have seen very good home built canoes and kayaks.

I second the getting a second job. I've done it and am about to do it again. Not everyone has a boat load of cash. At the end of the day you will be safe and not have to worry about that one loose end...

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If the fish don't bite your not baiting right...

One of the easiest, fastest ways is to use pontoons made from large diameter junk aluminum irrigation tube. Then just add a wooden platform and whatever bells and whistles you like. But it may be cheaper than building materials to buy a used one from Craigs list. There are a lot of unused ones around, forgotten and sitting in back yards which someone might part with if you ask...

PC

Originally Posted By: TexomaCatfisher

I am tired of hoping for enough money to buy a descent pond boat. I have decided that I'm just going to build my own. Is this a common thing to do? Has anyone out there ever done this? If so, how? I would like all the advice I can get. I am an alright carpenter and I think I can handle it, as long as I can get a general plan. I have all the tools I think I will need. What materials should I make it out of? This project may take me all summer or it may take me a couple weekends, I don't know. All help would be appreciated!

Actually, a few people on the San Antonio Fishing Forum have built their own small boats with pretty good results. If I remember right, they have even done a few workshops to teach others and help build them. That might be a good starting point for your search.

Also check out bateau.com. I can say that if you're building a boat to last, You have to use good materials. Plywood from HD ain't gonna cut it! Graded marine ply, epoxy and fiberglass aren't cheap, but you can spread the cost out over several months even years that way when your done it's paid for. Good luck and I hope it all comes together for you

I have built a few boats for duck hunting and rigged one up for fishing that I have had out on Texoma several times. With general carpentry skills and some patience you should have no problem building one. My boats are made from ply, fiber glass cloth and epoxy. The epoxy will most likely be the greatest expense. Let me know if you need any further info.